Having only tried it a few times at the schmanciest of restaurants, I was intrigued to see how the homemade version would stack up. Turns out: really darn well.

This particular blend has a depth of flavor that lends a whole new element to the oyster, but it still brings the tang you’re looking for with an oyster garnish. Again, if you’re working with quality oysters, I say go naked: splash of sauce and slurp.

I was cleaning up the ole WordPress today and ran across this dusty draft in my backlog. How it is possible to forget such a yummy recipe – especially one that involves not one but two types of soup – is beyond me. Let’s remedy that, shall we?

templeofthai.com

This is 2-for-1 in that it is The Chef’s recipe for both Shrimp StockandTom Yum Soup. Usually, if you don’t have the time or patience to make your stock, you can buy it; but the ingredient list on this sucker makes me think you should go traditional or go home.

And I’d wager that the flavor will be well worth it. Tom Yum is spicy, brothy Asian goodness, and the longer it simmers and permeates your house, the better it will be when you finally slurp it down.

The Chef sent me this recipe months ago, and it stalled out in my Inbox because black beans – or beans of any kind, really – often bore the crap out of me.

mensfitness.com

But the more I started looking at it, the more intrigued I became. The Mexican seasonings, the chorizo, and the suggestion that you serve it alongside quail – arguably the most adorable and delectable of tiny game birds – finally changed my mind.

As it turns out, it IS easy being green. And nothing proves that more than this funky take on a summer classic. Plus, this is one time in life where impatience serves you well because you don’t even have to wait until the tomatoes are ripe. So get in there early. And often.

So as it turns out, mangoes are kind of amazing. As in you know you like them but you’re not sure how much until they’re all dressed up in their killa heels and slinky black dress.

And I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but combining mangoes with the fresh scallops from Paradise Seafood is simply and surprisingly blissful. I don’t know how, but all of their seafood that tastes like tiny sweet little lobsters. You put a perfect sear on one and hit it with this vinaigrette and you are dunzo.

Hey there Nummy Num Num; I feel that an apology is in order. I haven’t called or written or even as much as Facebook-stalked you, and you don’t deserve that. All I can say is it’s not you, it’s me. I have been under the post-graduation stressfest of job-searching, and snarky-yet-succulent recipe-posting fell by the wayside.

Well, no more! A job has been procured and I can now get on with the incredibly important business of telling you all how to pile on the pounds in the most delicious fashion. So here goes.

The Chef, in his endless quest to make every type of taco imaginable, concocted a ceviche variety in order to take advantage of the amazing tuna Paradise Seafood sells at the Memphis Farmers Market. When it’s as fresh as theirs is, a few veggies and some fresh citrus are all you need to highlight the tuna’s fantastic flavor.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let marinate for 5 minutes. (Note: This is for rare tuna because The Chef likes it to still be swimming when he takes a bite of it. If you prefer yours a little more done, let it marinate longer.)

Serve on crunchy tacos (crunch is key for ceviche, so don’t swap out for soft tortillas) and top with sliced avocados. Find a patio, pour yourself a ‘rita, and enjoy.

Hola mi amigos! (Is that right? I took French for 4 years and can’t even speak that, so please pardon my Frenchand my Spanish.)

It is that ever-blessed time of the year in which the sun shines, the tequila flows and corporate Americans everywhere use Mexican culture as an excuse to drink margaritas on a patio at noon on a work day. That’s right chicas – Manana esta Cinco De Mayo!

In keeping with that grand tradition of poaching holidays simply for celebration’s sake, we present to you an Americanized version of Mexico’s signature dip: la salsa! I made this last night because I was craving corn and needed a veggie fix after the weekend (but obviously didn’t want anything so healthy it couldn’t be served atop Fritos).

This was bright, and summery and addictive, and it would make a great base if you’re planning on getting your Margarita on tomorrow. Just sayin… safety first, y’all. ¡Buen apetito! (Oooh, I have always wanted to use that upside down exclamation point thingy, so thanks Google!)

Open up the corn and add a little olive oil and close up. Roast in their husks for 20 minutes or until tender. Remove and allow to cool.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and place in the fridge to chill while the corn cools.

Cut the kernels off of each ear of corn (I like to do this while the “butt” end of the corn is in the bottom of a deep mixing bowl so the kernels don’t ‘splode everywhere in the kitchen – they can be some slippery little suckers), and then add corn to the veggie mixture.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Serve with Fritos. Ole!

This would also be a good topping for grilled anything, so feel free to make some game-time grilling adjustments as needed.